UAlbany men's lacrosse's goalie dealing with injury

PHOTOGRAPHER: File Photo

Nate Siekierski could miss Saturday's game.

ALBANY — With a pivotal road game looming, the University at Albany men’s lacrosse team doesn’t know if junior Nate Siekierski will be in goal for the Great Danes when they play Saturday at Vermont.

Siekierski, a first-year starter with a 51.9 save percentage, didn’t practice Wednesday and appeared to have his right hand in a brace.

“I don’t know who is going to be in goal,” Marr said. “I don’t have an answer for you right now.”

Siekierski has played every minute this season for UAlbany, which is 3-0 in America East Conference play and 4-5 overall.

“No idea,” Marr said of Siekierski’s ability to play Saturday against Vermont, which is tied for second place in conference play at 2-1 with Stony Brook. “Hopefully.”

Regarding Siekierski’s injury, Marr only offered that it happened during a lacrosse-related activity following the conclusion of Tuesday’s formal practice work and that Siekierski was seeing a doctor Wednesday afternoon to determine the extent of his injury.

“When we find out what’s wrong with him,” Marr said, “we’ll give you the answer.”

If Siekierski is unable to play, either sophomore Will Ramos or sophomore Jason Yoquinto would start. Ramos worked with the first-team defense during Wednesday’s practice.

“I have faith in both of them,” Marr said. “I don’t know who would start, though.”

UAlbany has won three of its last four games after starting 1-4.

“We’re definitely progressing the right way. We’re 3-0 [in league play]. We certainly control our own destiny,” Marr said. “We know if we go 4-0 [Saturday], then we’re in really good shape for being in the top four and then put ourselves in good position to be a host [for the conference tournament], so this is a critical game.”

Vermont is coming off an 8-4 loss to UMass Lowell, a team UAlbany defeated 17-11 earlier this season.